Chapter 2
The sheer scale of the Arc Metalworks left the students speechless. Towers of metal ingots, humming machinery that melded seamlessly with hand-crafting stations, and the faint, ozone-tinged scent of superheated alloys filled the air. Ruby and Nora practically vibrated with excitement, while Weiss took in the facility with a calculating eye, already formulating potential business collaborations.
"So, what can we make?" Ruby asked, practically bouncing on her heels.
Jaune grinned. "Anything you can imagine. We have automated forges, laser cutters precise enough to etch individual atoms, and enough raw materials to outfit an entire army." He gestured to a series of consoles. "These terminals are linked to a comprehensive database of weapon designs, material properties, and combat simulations. You can use them to reverse-engineer existing weapons, experiment with new alloys, or even design entirely new weapon systems from scratch."
Weiss stepped forward, a glint in her eye. "This is… remarkable. What kind of support personnel do you have here?"
"Mostly automated systems," Jaune replied. "There are a few maintenance techs, but most of the heavy lifting is done by robots programmed with centuries of smithing knowledge."
Blake, ever the pragmatist, was already examining a workbench littered with half-finished weapon components. "What about training? Are we just supposed to figure this out on our own?"
"Absolutely not," Jaune said, snapping his fingers. "I almost forgot." He turned to a nearby console and typed in a series of commands. A holographic projector flickered to life, displaying a shimmering image of a tall, imposing figure clad in ancient-looking armor.
"Greetings, students," the hologram boomed, its voice resonating with authority. "I am Aegis, a combat simulation and training program developed by the Arc family. I will guide you through the intricacies of weapon design, materials science, and advanced combat techniques."
Yang whistled. "Talk about fancy."
Aegis continued, unfazed. "My database contains information on countless forms of combat, ranging from basic hand-to-hand techniques to advanced Dust manipulation and Aura amplification. I can tailor your training to your skill levels and learning styles."
Jaune added, "Aegis can be a little… intense, but he's the best teacher you could ask for. He also knows how to make a mean cup of coffee."
The hologram blinked. "That is classified information."
The group chuckled, the initial awe giving way to a sense of excitement and possibility. They spent the rest of the day exploring the facility, familiarizing themselves with the equipment, and creating initial designs. Ruby, of course, was already sketching out modifications to Crescent Rose, while Weiss was meticulously analyzing the properties of a rare metal alloy she had discovered in a forgotten corner of the metalworks.
As evening arrived, Jaune led them to a comfortable lounge area within the building. A crackling fireplace dominated one wall, and plush couches were arranged around a low table laden with food and drinks.
"So," Coco said, leaning back against a cushion, "what's the plan for tomorrow? Are we diving straight into weapon forging?"
"That's up to you," Jaune replied. "I can help you brainstorm ideas, show you the basics of using the equipment, or leave you to your own devices. Honestly, I'm going to be working on my armor when I'm able."
Pyrrha, who had been unusually quiet all day, finally spoke up. "Jaune, about earlier… what you said about… us."
Jaune met her gaze, his expression softening. "I meant every word, Pyrrha. I know I've been slow to realize things, but I do want us to be something. I've been doing a lot of thinking about what you mean to me, and I just hope I haven't broken things."
Pyrrha's eyes lit up, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You haven't broken anything, Jaune. You've made me incredibly happy." She leaned forward and gently kissed him on the cheek.
The others cheered and clapped, Weiss even cracking a small smile. Ren and Nora exchanged knowing glances, while Yang gave Jaune a playful shove.
As the laughter subsided, Velvet spoke up, her voice a little hesitant. "Jaune, you said earlier that you were making armor? What kind of armor?"
Jaune's eyes gleamed with excitement. "It's something I've been working on for a while. I call it… the 'Arc Aegis'. It is the next thing that I'm doing." He paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "It's… a bit of a passion project. It is even going to have a couple of different modes."
Coco raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Different modes, huh? Sounds interesting, what functions will it have?"
Jaune takes a deep breath and says "well, there are two that are combat based. One is a fast mode, it's not as powerful, but it lets me get around the battlefield, and the second one is strength mode, slow as hell, but hits like a Mac truck."
"Sounds interesting; I want to see it when you get it done," Coco said.
As the night stretches out, filled with laughter, stories, and collaborative designs, everyone sleeps well, dreaming of the possibilities that this strange and wonderful world of Arc Metalworks holds.
A week passes, and the transformations are immense. Team RWBY is designing upgrades for their weapons, Team JNPR is pushing the limits on what their weapons can do, and Jaune is just finishing up his armor.
The day he finishes, everyone is there to see it. He stands in the middle of the workshop, the pieces of the armor floating around him in a circle. He raises his hand, and they start to fall into place. The gauntlet snaps onto the left hand, and the rest of the armor comes to him fast. By the end, Jaune stands there in the full Arc Aegis, looking like a super soldier.
"WOW!" Ruby said.
"Indeed." Agreed, Weiss.
"Well, what do you guys think? Time to try it out? " Jaune says, with a smile.
TBC
Note: I know the scene where Jaune got into the 'Arc Aegis' with like Tony getting in his Armor (Can't remember which one though)